Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government regarding alleged theft and irregularities in the donations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Speaking during his visit to Saharanpur, the SP president stated that even beggars who sit outside temples do not steal from the deity. He asserted that playing with people’s religious faith and engaging in the “theft of Ram dhan” (Ram’s wealth) is an unpardonable sin that neither God nor the public will ever forgive.
Allegations of Selective Action and Shielding High-Profile Names
Addressing reporters, Akhilesh Yadav raised serious questions about the investigation into the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He accused the administration of conducting a biased inquiry, alleging that junior employees and minor workers were arrested and jailed to hush up the case, while influential high-profile individuals were quietly given clean chits. He questioned the logic of shielding top figures while lower-level staff remain imprisoned, demanding that either the true culprits be prosecuted or the innocent staff be released immediately.
Criticisms Over Ayodhya Land Acquisition and City Infrastructure
Beyond the donation controversy, Akhilesh Yadav targeted the state government over the urban development and land acquisition projects in Ayodhya. He claimed that despite flushing vast amounts of taxpayer money into the city, local residents were displaced without receiving fair compensation for their acquired lands. According to the SP leader, this widespread local dissatisfaction directly contributed to the BJP’s parliamentary electoral loss in the Ayodhya constituency. He urged the government to utilize qualified urban planners and engineers to develop Ayodhya fairly without exploiting poor land owners.
Infrastructure Failures and Misuse of Development Funds
The former Chief Minister also heavily criticized the state’s infrastructure projects, pointing out recurring cave-ins, waterlogging, and severe potholes on major expressways including the Bundelkhand Expressway, Ganga Expressway, and Lucknow-Kanpur routes. He mockingly stated that the government tries to hide structural flaws by using carpets to cover potholes and giant fans to dry flooded road surfaces. Describing these projects as “corruption expressways,” he demanded strict accountability for design flaws and engineering failures across Uttar Pradesh.
Stand on Reservations, Farmers’ Welfare, and Local Development
Reiterating his party’s political position, Akhilesh Yadav reaffirmed that social reservations have always existed and will continue to stay, warning that hidden political allies are quietly attempting to weaken affirmative action. He also slammed the administration over soaring inflation, delayed payments for sugarcane farmers, and lack of support for local artisans affected by international trade restrictions. Promising regional growth, he assured that if the Samajwadi Party returns to power in 2027, a dedicated development manifesto will be formulated for Saharanpur, including the establishment of a specialized cancer research center.
